Yamaha 8C Owner's Manual

Also see for 8C: Owner's manual Owner's manual Owner's manual Owner's manual

Contents

1-6EEMB40010BASIC BOATING RULES(Rules of the road)Just as there are rules which apply whenyou are driving on streets and high ways,there are waterway rules which applywhen you are driving your boat. Theserules are used internationally, and arealso enforced by the United States CoastGuard and local agencies. You should beaware of these rules, and follow themwhenever you encounter another vesselon the water.Several sets of rules prevail according togeographic location, but are all basicallythe same as the International Rules of theRoad. The rules presented here in yourOwner’s Manual are condensed, and havebeen provided for your convenience only.Consult your local U.S. Coast GuardAuxiliary or Department of MotorVehicles for a complete set of rules gov-erning the waters in which you will beusing your boat.STEERING AND SAILING RULES ANDSOUND SIGNALSWhenever two vessels on the water meetone another, one vessel has the right-of-way; it is called the “stand-on” vessel.The vessel which does not have the right-of-way is called the “give-way” or “bur-dened” vessel. These rules determinewhich vessel has the right-of-way, andwhat each vessel should do.Stand-on VesselThe vessel with the right-of-way has theduty to continue its course and speed,except to avoid an immediate collision.When you maintain your direction andspeed, the other vessel will be able todetermine how best to avoid you.Give-way VesselThe vessel which does not have the right-of-way has the duty to take positive andtimely action to stay out of the way of theStand-On vessel. Normally, you shouldnot cross in front of the vessel with theright-of-way. You should slow down orchange directions briefly and pass behindthe other vessel. You should always movein such a way that the operator of theother vessel can see what you are doing.“The general prudential rule”This rule is called Rule 2 in the Inter-national Rules and says,‘In obeying and construing theserules due regard shall be had to alldangers of navigation and collision,and to any special circumstances,which may render a departure fromthe above rules necessary in order toavoid immediate danger.’In other words, follow the standard rulesexcept when a collision will occur unlessboth vessels try to avoid each other. Ifthat is the case, both vessels become“Give-Way” vessels.